England have made two changes to their squad ahead of the series decider, bringing in off-spinner Shoaib Bashir and fast bowler Matthew Potts.
England's Shoaib Bashir bowls a delivery during Day 2 of the 3rd Test match between India and England at Lord’s, in London, on Friday, July 11, 2025. (Photo: IANS/Pankaj Nangia)
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed a 12-member squad on Friday for the fifth and final Ashes Test against Australia, scheduled to begin on January 4 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
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England have made two changes to their squad ahead of the series decider, bringing in off-spinner Shoaib Bashir and fast bowler Matthew Potts. Fast bowler Gus Atkinson suffered a left hamstring injury in the fourth Test and is the only omission from the side that secured a four-wicket victory over Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
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Bashir, 22, made his Test debut against India in 2024 and has since featured in 19 Tests, picking up 68 wickets at an average of 39.00. The off-spinner has registered two four-wicket hauls and four five-wicket hauls in the format. Notably, this marks the first time England have opted for a specialist spinner in the ongoing Ashes series. Previously, all-rounder Will Jacks was their only spin-bowling option.
Potts, who made his Test debut against New Zealand in June 2022, returns to the squad after missing the fourth Test. The 27-year-old has played 10 Tests, claiming 36 wickets at an average of 29.44, including two four-wicket hauls.
Meanwhile, veteran Australian opener Usman Khawaja is set to play his final Test match against England, having announced his retirement from international cricket on Friday. The 39-year-old left-hander confirmed the decision during a press conference, stating that he will continue to represent Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League and play domestic cricket in the Sheffield Shield.
Khawaja will conclude a distinguished Test career that saw him score 6,206 runs at an average of 43.39 across 87 matches.
Australia have named an unchanged squad for the final Test.
England squad for the fifth Ashes Test:
Ben Stokes (captain), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Josh Tongue.
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